20. BACKHOUSE, James (1794-1869). A Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies. London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1843. 8vo (228 x 138 mm). Etched frontispiece. 15 etched plates, 1 illustrations, 3 engraved folding maps partially hand-colored. Original green cloth stamped in blind, spine lettered in gilt, tissue guards. Condition: binding rubbed and faded, closed tears and shelf label to spine, headcaps chipped, corners bumped, early bookseller's description tipped onto flyleaf, slight offsetting to front endpapers; tape repairs to maps. Provenance: Bowdoin College Library (bookplate, ink stamp to verso of title page).
FIRST EDITION of this important travel narrative of Backhouse's six year voyage (1832-1838) through Australia investigating penal and Aboriginal establishments as well as observations on the regions natural history.
est. $250 – £350